Author: TMC Palau
The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have both recently made changes to their construction procurement policies. These aim to promote more employment and skills development for the residents of the countries receiving the loans. But do these changes go far enough to have a major impact? Are the new requirements sufficient to provide the social licence that foreign firms and the multilateral agencies want? Will the changes overcome the reputational damage caused by the past reliance of construction firms on imported skilled workers for large projects? The PNG Government, in its national budget papers for 2025, has…
[File Photo] The Government is urging sugarcane farmers to begin harvesting immediately, warning that further delays could put both local sugar supplies and Fiji’s export markets at risk. Minister for Sugar Industry, Tomasi Tunabuna says every day of delay affects cane quality, harvesting schedules, transport logistics and ultimately farmers’ incomes. He warns that if cane is not harvested and processed on time, Fiji could struggle to produce enough sugar to meet local demand, forcing the Government to explore other options to ensure supermarket shelves remain stocked. “Some of those markets are probably also Pacific Island nations. You know, we would…
[Source: Reuters] England’s World Cup campaign has increasingly come to rest on the shoulders of Harry Kane, whose goals, link-up play and ability to deliver in decisive moments have repeatedly rescued a side still searching for fluency and conviction. The captain was again central to their 2-1 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 32 on Wednesday, but England’s reliance on their talisman raises a growing question as the knockout stage intensifies: how far can they go if Kane is the only player consistently capable of turning pressure into progress? Once again at the World Cup,…
FijiThe Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) says fuel and LPG prices are reduced for July.Diesel is dropping between FJ$1.19 and FJ$1.25 across the country.Motor spirit prices will decrease by 49 to 52 cents per litre and kerosene by around 42 cents in most parts of the country.LPG prices will also decrease.The FCCC said these reductions reflect improving global market conditions following progress in ceasefire negotiations in the Middle East.But it warned global fuel markets remain vulnerable to geopolitical events and prices may continue to fluctuate as the global energy market recovers.SamoaSamoa’s minister of finance has announced a reduction in…
RugbyTonga rugby coach Tevita Tuifua says they have made changes to their squad ahead of this weekend’s opening match of the tier-two Nations Cup competition.He said some players initially named in the squad have suffered injuries, while others are unavailable because of new contracts.Eleven players who played for Moana Pasifika this year have also been included, including flyhalf Patrick Pellegrini and fullback William Havili.Tonga meets Zimbabwe in Denver on Sunday, while Manu Samoa will take on Hong Kong China.RugbyFiji under-20 rugby coach Andrew Tui Osborne says the team will need all guns firing against Australia on Thursday night, in their…
[Source: Fiji Rugby/Facebook] Peceli Yato makes his long‑awaited return to the Flying Fijians as head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named a strong matchday 23 to face Wales in the Nations Championship opener this Sunday. Yato, who last represented the Flying Fijians in 2023, is included among the replacements and adds valuable experience and impact to a squad that blends seasoned internationals with rising stars. The starting XV features Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere, and Tim Hoyt in the front row, with Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua locking the scrum. Pita Gus Sowakula, Kitione Salawa, and Elia Canakaivata form a dynamic back…
[File Photo] Defending Skipper Cup champions Malolo Rugby are feeling the heat as they gear up for the new season, with expectations high and pressure mounting ahead of kick-off next month. Assistant coach Joseva Domolailai says the champions are well aware of the target on their backs, as they prepare to defend the title they proudly lifted last year. Malolo have kept a similar build-up to last season, sticking to a familiar training structure while making small adjustments based on lessons learned from their title-winning campaign. “We are trying to get our players conditioned and their bodies trained well for…
[Photo: FILE] A total of ten thousand dollars was donated to the Navua Hospital Board in an effort to upgrade the hospital’s machines and infrastructure. Navua Hospital Board Secretary Felisha Kayes says the funds will allow them to prioritize essential needs such as water and electricity. “Whatever funds are being raised are actually being utilised directly to whatever the hospital needs. For instance, from last year, we had some major breakdowns with machines.” Board of Visitors member Saimoni Ratukadreu says they are committed to using available funds to improve services at the hospital, as it caters not only to people…
What started as a one-night-cultural showcase for seven local schools has grown into one of the Hutt Valley’s biggest celebrations of Pacific and Māori culture.Founded in 2012 by Koraunui School teacher Luana Leulua’i, HuttFest was created to give young people a platform to proudly share their culture, without the pressures of competition.Hundreds of students formed 87 groups that took to the stage at Lower Hutt’s Walter Nash Centre over five days – continuing Luana’s vision of celebrating identity, community and belonging through performance.For many of the young people taking part, HuttFest is all about taking the chance to connect with…
[Photo: FILE] Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands and Pacific Islands Forum chair Matthew Wale has urged Pacific leaders to take ownership of the region’s future amidst growing challenges such as climate change and regional security. “We must always remind ourselves that our development agenda must remain one that is conceived, driven, and owned by the Pacific. Our partners should help us realise and complement our ambitions, not define nor shape them for us.” He says the focus is on ensuring that the Blue Pacific remains an ocean and a region of peace, stability, and mutual respect The Prime Minister…